Although 1. FC Köln almost lost against Union Berlin after a mistake, Steffen Baumgart was not bothered by his team – but by his own fans.
The scene that caused the change in mood happened shortly before the break: Rafael Czichos made a mistake in the build-up in his own penalty area, and seconds later Cologne, who were actually pressing for a 2-1 lead, conceded the 1:2.
“We make this mistake because we have the courage to play out the back,” FC coach Steffen Baumgart told DAZN after the home match against Union Berlin. Which is why the 49-year-old could live with it – this approach to the game was his responsibility after all.
Baumgart offers what the fans wanted
“I said: We are going one way. And I expect this way from everyone,” continued a visibly angry Baumgart, however – referring to the Cologne fans. “When I’ve talked to people in Cologne over the last four years, it’s always been about not playing good football here,” the coach said. “Now the boys are playing good, brave football. And then you’re 1-2 down against Union, who are playing internationally, and I feel like the stadium doesn’t know whether to cheer or cry.”
It wasn’t until goal-scorer Anthony Modeste, who had given the Effzeh an early lead, scored late on to make it 2-2 that the mood in the stands was boisterous again. And shortly afterwards, the double assist Florian Kainz almost scored the winning goal, as Baumgart emphasised.
That’s why he doesn’t see the sporting aspects “so critically. One team did and did, the other defended.” Praise for the courageous charges, clear criticism of the demanding fans. “Why can’t I make this mood when trailing 1:2, considering who we played against?” asks Baumgart directly.
Maybe the cathedral city just needs to get used to good football again after four years.
